Upcoming franchise expo ‘to spur creation of biz, job opportunities’

THE Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) is confident to spur anew new breed of entrepreneurs and create new jobs as 500 brands look for new business partners.

More than 500 local and foreign franchisers are set to present their proven business concepts at the three-day International Franchise Expo on Oct. 14 to 16, 2022 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

PFA said the expo aims to rekindle Filipinos’ entrepreneurial spirit with the theme: Live.Love.Franchise.

“We are witnessing the renaissance of entrepreneurship in the country as proven by record-breaking attendance at the two physical expos that the PFA conducted this year in Xavier School and Cebu. This gives us confidence that the International Franchise Expo at the SMX Convention Center will also attract huge crowds and spur anew the creation of business and job opportunities for our fellow Filipinos just as it has always done,” said PFA president Sam Christopher Lim.

”This will be one of the most exciting Franchise Asia Expo ever. The past two years have brought in a lot of new and exciting franchise concepts. That’s why almost half of the exhibitors this year are first time exhibitors. And about one-fifth of the brands are from international markets, such as Taiwan, Korea, Australia the US and more,” he added.

International Franchise Expo 2022 chairman Jose Magsaysay Jr. said the one-stop shop for business opportunities will showcase 500 brands, including those that already made their mark in South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan, which will all have country pavilions. Also exhibiting are franchise brands from Thailand, US, Japan and other countries.

Aside from the new concepts and established brands like 7-Eleven, TGP and Seaoil, Magsaysay said suppliers and service providers are also on hand to present their products and services to those that are looking to effectively manage their business to increase productivity and profit.

A business matching to help entrepreneurs connect with business enablers has been organized on Oct. 14.

“It is worth noting that 42 percent of the exhibitors in the expo are first-time exhibitors, which is a clear indication that the franchise sector grew despite the challenges of the past two years,” Magsaysay added. “Indeed, we are on the threshold of the golden age of franchising.”

There will also be seminars for aspiring franchisees, franchisors and entrepreneurs with the following topics: How to Invest in the Right Franchise; How to Franchise Your Business; 5 Ways to Grow Profits by Action Coach; and a branding seminar by Blue Thumb.

“We’ve doubled the number of educational seminars so attendees can learn more about franchising and hone their business skills,” Lim noted.

Interested participants need only to register online for free at https://www.franchiseasiaph.com/events-1/international-franchise-expo-1/.

PFA chairperson Sherill Ramos Quintana stressed that franchising continues to be the best option to start a business, “especially during this time because with franchising you are not alone, the franchisor is always there to help.”

“We chose the theme Live.Love.Franchise to reflect PFA’s push for Filipino entrepreneurs to keep their business aspirations and dreams for their families alive via proven franchise concepts. This is why we left no stone unturned to make sure the long tradition of success that the International Franchise Expo has had for about three decades now will continue,” Quintana said.